Surging Vikings dominate the Texans

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Texans tight end Garrett Graham can’t escape the grasp of Harrison Smith as the Vikings kept their playoffs hopes alive.

By Kristie Rieken
Associated Press
December 24, 2012

HOUSTON — The Minnesota Vikings don’t need record-setting days from Adrian Peterson to stay in the playoff race.

Peterson rushed for 86 yards, falling far short of the 2,000-yard mark, yet helping the Vikings (9-6) keep their postseason chances alive with a 23-6 upset of the Texans on Sunday. Christian Ponder threw a touchdown pass, Toby Gerhart added a score, and Blair Walsh kicked three field goals as the Vikings won their third straight.

‘‘We knew they were going to focus on the run, which is OK,’’ Peterson said of the Texans. ‘‘It felt good to see other guys get involved and us continue to move the ball down and score some points.’’

He has 1,898 yards this season and needs 208 to break the NFL single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson. Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier said he took Peterson out late as a precaution because he has a sore abdomen.

‘‘I’ll get some rest and be ready to get a W and break that record,’’ Peterson said.

The Vikings took a 10-3 lead when Walsh kicked a 56-yard field goal. The kick gave Walsh, a rookie, the NFL record with nine field goals of 50 yards or longer this season.

The Texans failed to score a touchdown for the first time since 2006.

‘‘We didn’t play well,’’ Kubiak said. ‘‘I think we battled defensively, but offensively we probably played as bad as we’ve played. I take full responsibility for that. It’s a huge, huge disappointment. We’ve got to get over it really quick.’’

J.J. Watt had a sack to give him 20½ this season.

Houston got within 10 points before Gerhart’s 3-yard run extended the lead to 23-6 with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter. That drive was helped by a 29-yard run by Ponder.